Approved 12/4/06

HUMAN SERVICES

November 6, 2006

Minutes

 

Members Present:         Mark Grebner, Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Curtis Hertel, Lisa Dedden, Andy Schor and Mike Severino

 

Members Absent:         None

 

Others Present:             John Neilsen, Dr. Sienko, Randy Marwede, Jake Dishl, Patricia Wheeler, Cynthia McCants, Jalae Ulicki, Micki O’Neil, Darlene Van Ravensway, Jennifer Edsall, Gina McKissic, John Castillo, Julia Herzog, Brian Baer, Margaret Houseman, Caryn Edwards, James Edwards, Ann Francis, Jennifer Hoffman, Joan Nelson, Pat McKinley, Di Clark, Martha Thelen, David Beatty, Ron Hardman, Janice Hardman, Anne Rauscher, Jessie Crockett, Patrice Klein, John Buslry, Elaine Hardy and Deb Biehler

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Grebner at 7:06 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

 

Approval of the October 16, 2006 Minutes

The October 16, 2006 Minutes were approved as submitted.

 

Additions to the Agenda

3.         Application from South Lansing Community Development Association

            Additional Information

 

Limited Public Comment:          None

 

3.         Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing 2007 Agreements for Community Agencies

 

Mr. Neilsen stated a five percent reduction in the 2006 funding levels for the returning Community Agencies will leave some additional funds for the new Community Agencies.  Ele’s Place will not receive the five percent reduction because they requested less funding for 2007 than they did for 2006. 

 

Comm. Schor asked why the MSU Detroit College of Law Clinical Programs is not included in the Judiciary Committee’s list of Community Agencies.  Mr. Neilsen explained this Community Agency has traditionally been within this Committee.  The Programs deal with landlord-tenant cases. 

 

Ms. Julicki, MSU Detroit College of Law Clinical Programs, explained the Agency started with a grant from Ingham County approximately eight years ago.  This is a 501c (3) agency.  The MSU Detroit College of Law Clinical Programs works with other human service agencies. 

 

Mr. Neilsen explained that some of the Community Agencies have a dual purpose.  They provide services which would qualify them for two Committees.  He then stated he understands the Commissioners’ valid questions regarding this issue. 

 

Comm. Schor asked if the County allocates monies to organizations which charge membership dues.  Ms. Hardy, Westside Community YMCA, explained the YMCA does not charge dues for the programs which are funded through the Ingham County Community Agency process. 

 

Chairperson Grebner asked if any of the Community Agencies present this evening are not willing to accept the 95% funding level.  The Agencies indicated their willingness to accept the 95% funding level.  Chairperson Grebner explained the returning Agencies will be guaranteed 95% of their 2006 funding amount.  Ele’s Place will receive 100% of their request because the requested $2,750 less than in 2006.

 

Comm. Hertel informed the Committee that the South Lansing Community Development organization is not present this evening because they received the meeting notice late.

 

The new Community Agency organizations addressed the Committee at this time regarding their funding request.

 

Addiction Relief – Martha Falin, Dave Beatty, Janice Hardman and Ron Hardman were present to represent Addiction Relief.  Information was distributed to the Committee which detailed the services provided by Addiction Relief.  Ms. Falin stated she received services through Addiction Relief one year ago.  The Program was very helpful and assisted her in becoming a productive member of the community.

 

Mr. Beatty stated he created Addiction Relief in 2002.  His Program provides money and support for newly recovering, homeless Ingham County residents.  It also provides food, clothing, bus passes, emergency dental, medical and eye care co-pays and down payments, personal items, etc. 

 

Mr. Beatty further stated “Joe & Shirley’s Place” was established in 2004.  The Place provides 12 male and 12 female beds in Lansing.  In 2005, the Place provided housing for 88 homeless County residents. 

 

Ms. Hardman stated she received Addiction Relief services two years ago.   She stated this is a safe place which encourages its residents to find employment.  Ms. Hardman spoke of her personal experiences with Addiction Relief.  Mr. Hardman, husband of Ms.  Hardman, stated a person has to walk in the shoes of someone suffering from addiction to understand their life.  He spoke of his personal experiences with Addiction Relief.  He stated he is now employed, has an apartment and pays taxes.  Any amount of funding the County can provide will be helpful to its residents.

 

Comm. Bahar-Cook requested clarification regarding the number of residents served by Addiction Relief.  Mr. Beatty explained that when Addiction Relief opened, it did not have many beds.  Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if Addiction Relief receives funding from other sources.  Mr. Beatty stated the Program does not receive funding from other sources. 

 

Comm. Hertel stated Addiction Relief’s funding request is not attainable.  He asked if there is a lesser amount that would be helpful to the Program.  Mr. Beatty stated any amount would be helpful.

 

Comm. Hertel stated this is a very difficult meeting each year because there are so many agencies needing funding assistance.  He expressed his appreciation to the Community Agency representatives for the services they provide to the residents of Ingham County. 

 

Chairperson Grebner asked Mr. Beatty if he had any assistance starting this Program.  Mr. Beatty stated he began the Program on his own.  This is a grass-roots organization.  Chairperson Grebner asked if Addiction Relief has restrictions on who it will accept.  Mr. Beatty explained his Program does not accept people without addictions or are not in recovery for addiction.  Sex-offenders are not accepted into this family-oriented organization.

 

Allen Neighborhood Center – Ms. Nelson, Ms. Francis and Ms. Hoffman were present to represent the Center.  Ms. Nelson thanked the Committee for its past support of the Center.  Ms. Nelson then spoke to the Committee regarding the Center’s urban-dale project, Junk Day 2006 and Phase II.  She detailed what occurred with the Center over the past year. 

 

Comm. Bahar-Cook stated she is a big supporter of this community organization.  She then stated the County’s funding is so tight this year.  She asked if the Center receives any other Ingham County funds.  Ms. Nelson stated the total budget for the Center is approximately $4,000.  The Center will receive funding from the Ingham County Health Department for outreach efforts on the east side of Lansing. 

 

Ms. Nelson stated she appreciates the fact that it will be hard for this Committee to determine its funding allocations this evening.  Comm. Hertel asked if the Center will only accept $11,600.  Ms. Nelson stated the Center will accept any funds the County can allocate for 2007. 

 

Comm. Schor asked if the Center will request Community Agency funding for 2008.  Ms. Nelson explained the Center will not request funds for the urban-dale project for 2008.  Comm. Schor asked if the Center has received funding from the City of Lansing or Lansing Township for this project.  Ms. Nelson stated the Center has not received funding from those municipalities for this project; however, it will receive $12,000 from the City of Lansing and $7,000 from Lansing Township for other projects. 

 

Capital Area Community Services – Ms. Biehler addressed the Committee regarding Capital Area’s 2007 funding request.  Ms. Biehler explained Capital Area is requesting $10,000 to provide emergency services, primarily for utility assistance.  She explained the requests for assistance has increased from 450 families in 1999 to 1,920 families this fiscal year.  Every penny is used to provide direct services. 

 

Comm. Schor asked, on behalf of Comm. DeLeon, if Capital Area receives any matching funds.  Ms. Biehler stated Capital Area does receive matching funds which it uses to leverage additional funding.  Comm. Severino asked if Capital Area provides services only to City residents.  Ms. Biehler stated services are mainly provided in rural areas.  Comm. Schor asked if the out-county communities provide funding for this program.  Ms. Biehler stated they do not receive funds from the communities specifically for this program.  She further stated any amount the County can allocate to Capital Area will be helpful. 

 

Mr. Neilsen reminded the Committee that Rural Family Services, Inc. received $20,000 from the Contingency Fund last year.

 

Erickson Learning Foundation – Karen and Jim Edwards addressed the Committee regarding the Foundation’s $5,000 funding request.  Ms. Edwards stated the Foundation works with students from preschool through adulthood.  The Foundation provides services to these youth who have learning disabilities or are disabled.  These students receive one-on-one services in their area of need so they can become responsible adults. 

 

Comm. Bahar-Cook stated the Foundation’s proposal is missing a lot of information.  Ms. Edwards stated the Foundation may have misunderstood the directions to complete the proposal form.  She further stated the Foundation has not received a great deal of assistance in the area of grant writing.   The Foundation would be glad to receive any funds so that it can help those who need the services.  

 

Comm. Bahar-Cook asked how the Foundation addresses Ingham County’s long-term objectives.  Ms. Edwards stated the Foundation helps people to be employable.  In response to Comm. Hertel, she stated some of the Foundation’s students need financial aid.  The funds being requested would assist these students. 

 

Comm. Schor asked how many students are served by the Foundation.  Ms. Edwards stated the Foundation serves approximately 30 students.  She further explained the Foundation advertises through libraries and schools. 

 

Comm. Hertel requested information regarding the cost of providing the services to the students.  Ms. Edwards stated the cost is $36/hour without financial aid.  Mr. Edwards stated the lowest amount a student has paid is $3/hour with financial aid.  The financial aid is based strictly on the need and what the Foundation can afford to provide.  Ms. Edwards explained the Foundation does require tax forms from families requesting financial aid. 

 

Comm. Dougan stated it is unusual for an agency to invest in mutual funds.  Ms. Edwards stated volunteers with the Foundation determine where its funds should be invested. 

 

Returning Community Agencies addressed the Committee at this time.

 

National Center on Alcoholism – Ms. Wheeler stated the Center is willing to accept the 95% funding level.  She understands the Committee’s effort to try to fund new agencies.  Ms. Wheeler further stated she stayed this evening to hear about the new agencies to this process.

 

Westside YMCA – Ms. Hardy also stated the YMCA is willing to accept 95% of its 2006 funding level.  She then expressed her appreciation for this Committee’s support.  Ingham County’s support has made an amazing impact on the young people in this community.

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, TO APPROVE A 5% DECREASE IN 2006 FUNDING FOR THE RETURNING COMMUNITY AGENCIES (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ELE’S PLACE, THEY REQUESTED LESS IN 2007 THAN THEY REQUESTED IN 2006).

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO APPROPRIATE $5,035 TO ADDICTION RELIEF & SUPPORTED RECOVERY, INC., AND $5,035 TO THE CAPITAL AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR 2007. 

 

Comm. Severino stated he supports the motion to amend; however, he stated he has concerns that Addiction Relief duplicates services which are already provided through the County.  Comm. Severino then stated it would be helpful to him if Addiction Relief can show how they do not duplicate services provided through the County.

 

Comm. Schor stated he will support the motion to amend since many of the Agencies duplicate County services.  Comm. Hertel expressed his appreciation to the people who came in this evening to represent their Agencies.  He then stated the County should try to put more Community Agency funds into this Committee due to the amount of need in the human services area versus the other Committees.

 

MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED UANIMOUSLY.

 

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

 

1.         Human Services Committee

            a.         Resolution Honoring Robin Reynolds

            b.         Resolution to Increase the Size of the Veterans Affairs Committee

 

2.         Health Department

a.         Resolution to Authorize a Student Field Placement Agreement with the Michigan State University College of Nursing

b.         Resolution to Authorize a 2006-2007 Agreement with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

c.         Resolution to Amend the Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program Agreement with the Michigan Department of Agriculture

d.         Resolution to Authorize Services Contracts with Licensed Dentists for 2007

g.         Resolution to Appoint Dennis Jurczak, M.D. and D. Bonta Hiscoe, M.D. as Deputy Medical Directors and Examiners and to Authorize Employment Contracts

h.         Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with the College of Nursing and Establish a Health Center Administration Position

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

1b.       Human Services Committee – Resolution to Increase the Size of the Veterans Affairs Committee

 

(This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.)

 

Comm. Schor asked who requested the increase to the size of the Veterans Affairs Committee.  Comm. Severino stated a student of Comm. Thomas’ requested the increase. 

 

The Committee held a general discussion regarding the designation of the new position.  It was the consensus of the Committee to designate the additional position as the 21st Century Middle Eastern Conflicts position.

 

2.         Health Department

e.         Resolution to Authorize a Lease Agreement for Space in the Lansing Community College Health and Human Services Building

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR SPACE IN THE LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING. 

 

Mr. Neilsen stated Lansing Community College requested this Resolution.  The lease with dollar amounts will be presented to this Committee at a future date. 

 

Comm. Schor stated a resident addressed the Board of Commissioners regarding access issues for the new Community Health Center site at Lansing Community College.  Dr. Sienko explained the person who spoke of this issue was engaged in the discussions and voted in support of locating a new center at the College.  He further stated the Health Department spoke with CATA regarding this location.  CATA indicated Lansing Community College is a very good location for the Health Center.  Chairperson Grebner stated this is probably the best public transit site in the County.

 

Comm. Hertel asked if the Sparrow Health Center site will be closed.  Dr. Sienko stated the Sparrow Center will remain open.  The purpose of the Resolution is to expand the Health Department’s capacity to help more residents.  Comm. Dedden stated residents can still visit the existing centers if they do not wish to attend the LCC site. 

 

Comm. Bahar-Cook expressed her concern that the three sites are close to each other.  Comm. Hertel stated Dr. David expressed a concern that testing would be conducted on the students at LCC.  Dr. Sienko explained this site will give the Health Department access to new programs, equipment and services.  In response to Comm. Hertel, Dr. Sienko stated a licensed person will care for the patients.  Comm. Dedden stated patients always have the option to not participate in the training of new physicians. 

 

Comm. Severino stated he will vote against this Resolution at this time.  He stated his concern that there may be some dignity issues with the location of the new Center.  Comm. Severino also stated he understands this is early in the process of locating the new Center at LCC.  Dr. Sienko explained the Health Department made the determination to place the new Center at LCC due to its accessibility to the residents.

 

Comm. Bahar-Cook expressed her concern regarding the need to place the Centers in close proximity to each other.  Dr. Sienko explained that, with the expansion of the Ingham Health Plan, this location is very accessible to many residents.  Chairperson Grebner stated the LCC site is a major transfer point.  Comm. Schor stated the residents will not have to cross any roads to reach the clinic.

 

MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO.

 

            f.          Resolution to Amend Resolution #06-207

 

MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION #06-207. 

 

In response to Comm. Schor, Dr. Sienko explained a door to door effort will be made to increase the enrollment in the Ingham Health Plan.  A number of organizations are involved in engaging people in health issues.

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Announcements

Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that its next meeting has been canceled.

 

Public Comment:          None

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Debra Neff